What do you do when you first go to a mosque?

Rules & General Etiquette

1. When sat, don’t point your feet at the direction of Meeca.
2. Do not walk in front of people praying.
3. Do not take photos of women without their permission.
4. Be quiet in the prayer halls and rooms.
5. Keep yourself dressed modestly in all areas of the mosque.
6. Keep your phone on silent.

What happens when you go to a mosque?

The mosque is a place to gather for prayers, to study and to celebrate festivals such as Ramadan. It can also be used to house schools and community centres. The Arabic word for mosque, “masjid”, means “place of prostration”. A typical mosque also includes a minaret, a dome and a place to wash before prayers.

What do I need to know before going to a mosque?

So, visitors must understand the importance of mosques and the sincere meaning they occupy in the hearts of Muslims, and respect that.

• Do take off your shoes before you enter.
• Women: Please do cover your hair.
• Do wear proper clothes.
• Don’t let your kids run or play inside the mosque.
• Don’t eat or drink inside a mosque.

Why do you have to take your shoes off in a mosque?

Why do we take our shoes off? It is appropriate to remove one’s shoes before entering the prayer area at a mosque, so that the floors and carpets aren’t covered with dirt — after all, that is where people pray.

Can you wear makeup to mosque?

Makeup is OK. And kids can wear whatever they want. You’ll also want to be sure to wear clean socks or stockings, because you’ll be asked to remove your shoes before you enter the prayer area. (Many mosques have a room/shoe rack just off the entrance where you can safely store your shoes and other personal belongings.)

Can anyone go in a mosque?

Visitors are welcome in most mosques throughout the year. Many mosques are not only places of worship, but are used as community and education centers as well.

What is it like to visit a mosque?

Most mosques are very welcoming communities—don’t be shy! To greet someone, you can use the traditional Islamic greeting “Asalam ‘alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” Don’t worry about mispronouncing it. Most people will be delighted you made the effort. Feel free to shake hands with people of the same gender.

Why is the mosque important?

Mosques are the heart of the Islamic life. They serve for prayers, for events during Islam’s holiest month Ramadan, as centers for education and information, places for social welfare, and also for dispute settlement. The iman is the religious leader of the mosque and the person who leads the prayers.

Can I sleep in mosque?

Spending the last ten days of Ramadan in a mosque to devote oneself completely to worship, staying up most of the night, and sleeping little in the mosque itself, is a Sunnah. The Prophet used to do it, and so did some of his companions. It has been practiced ever since by many Muslims.

Can you wear jeans to a mosque?

You can go to a mosque wearing a T-shirt and a jeans if the dress is sufficient enough to cover the parts of your body which require to be covered compulsorily in Islam.

Can Muslims wear nail polish?

Considering this, most Muslims generally agree that wearing nail polish is prohibited when praying, and thus refrain from using nail polish.

What can I expect when I visit a mosque?

If you contact the mosque ahead of time, you may be greeted and hosted by the Imam, or another senior community member. If you visit during a time of prayer, especially Friday prayer, you may see various community members including children. Men and women usually pray in separate areas, either in separate rooms or divided by a curtain or screen.

Do all Muslims go to the mosque to pray?

It is not required for all Muslims to attend all prayers in the mosque, so you may or may not find a group of people gathered at a given time. If you contact the mosque ahead of time, you may be greeted and hosted by the Imam, or another senior community member.

Are mosques open to other religions?

You might question whether a mosque is even open to you, if it would intrusive and disrespectful to go into a place of worship where you believe differently. However, like most churches and other places of worship, most mosques welcome visitors of other faiths.

Do you have to do ablution before entering a mosque?

Muslims perform ablution (ritual washing) before entering the prayer hall. Some mosques have specially equipped bathrooms for men and women to wash their faces, arms, and feet. As a visitor, you probably won’t be expected to do ablution in order to enter.